Lead Acid

Flooded (Wet Cell) (Non-sealed)

• Contains a liquid in an unsealed container
• Cheaper
• Better availability of types and sizes
• Requires adequate ventilation for the batteries.
• Requires an area where maintenance can be performed

Sealed (Dry Cell) (Maintenance Free)

GEL

• Do not need to be kept upright
• Reduce the electrolyte evaporation and spillage that is common with wet-cell battery
• Greater resistance to extreme temperatures, shock, and vibration
• Same flooded batteries except that the antimony in the lead plates is replaced by calcium

AGM (Absorbed Glass Matte)

• No spilling of acid
• Low maintenance (no top up needed)
• Temperature tolerant (operate at -20°C)
• Vibration resistant
• Discharge much deeper
• Charge much faster

VRLA ( Valve Regulated Lead Acid battery)

• The valve regulating mechanism allows for a safe escape of hydrogen and oxygen gasses during charging.

Lithium-ion

Overall (in comparison to lead acid) these batteries are lighter, have a deeper life cycle (they can discharge 100%), charge faster, have a greater lifecycle and have a higher output. Really the only downside is the price. Currently they are around 8x or more expensive than a lead acid battery.

Lithium Cobalt Oxide

• High capacity
• Common in cellphones, laptops and electronic cameras
• Shorter lifespan and limited specific power

Lithium Manganese Oxide

• High thermal stability
• Safest
• Common in medical equipment

Lithium Iron Phosphate

• Durable
• Long cycle life
• Common in electric vehicles

Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide

• Either has a high specific energy or high specific power (not both)
• Common in power tools and electric vehicles

Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide

• Long lifespan
• Common in electric powertrains and in grid storage
• High energy
• Exspensive
• Not as safe

Lithium Titanate

• Very fast charge time
• Lower voltage
• Common in storing renewable energy